NC State Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolfpack against Duke

NC State Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Wolfpack at Duke

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 06: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski (L) of the Duke Blue Devils congratulates head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack following their game at PNC Arena on January 6, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 96-85. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Photo by Lance King/Getty Images /

2. Win the game on defense

NC State has had its own fair share of woes on offense, but this is a game where they really need to play a solid defensive game. The Wolfpack will need to play a nearly perfect game on defense against Duke and it starts with forcing turnovers.

In the most recent defeat of the Blue Devils last season, the NC State Wolfpack forced them into 16 turnovers. Back on Jan. 29 against Virginia, NC State also forced 16 turnovers in a contest that saw them force overtime with one of the top teams in the ACC.

With another top team in the ACC on the schedule, the Wolfpack will really need to answer the call on defense here. They are still working out a few kinks but an upset victory here could propel them in the right direction.

At 6-6 in ACC play, they’re in prime position to make a move to improve their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Now, they’ll just need to deliver. Their defense hasn’t been their biggest asset but in games like these, they’ve played at a very high level.

Home/NC State Wolfpack